Dear Friend,

Rare are those who have the will to Write a Letter on paper and go to the post office to let someone know they’re thinking about him when they have a lot of simpler ways to do so. Why bother with handwritten letters when you can text, call or FaceTime?

I must confess that when it comes to modern days technology I’m really not optimistic. I find the communication via smartphones, iPads, PCs, and the like, quite as the line of least resistance.

To be more precise, with the help of pre-learned phrases, forms, and entertaining emoticons everyone has the opportunity to express his greetings, thoughts, and feelings quick and easy: a couple of mouse clicks, with a little help of the Copy-Paste option, and fast typing on the keyboard. Aaand send! That’s all. You don’t even need to type your message over and over again since it can be saved as the template. In such a manner, a great population majority tend to fake their feelings, thoughts, and beliefs while emailing or messaging. Yet this is not taken as vicious. They say we need to “be assertive”. In practice, there are standards that must be met, and the expression of true feelings does not comply with this framework. Therein lies the superficiality of this form of communication.

Moreover, texting is fast, informal, and thanks to autocorrecting almost always perfect, since we are pretty much relying ourselves on a keyboard to do the work for us. As for me, email is the synonym for work and office communication.

Hence, handwritten letters are a classy thing to do. They are funny, sincere, and moving way to touch the people you love. If visiting any history or cultural museum you can actually realize the significance of the handwritten letters. They always occupy special spots in museums, and are well protected and preserved. The vast majority of these letters have profound meanings, and powerful words are worth reading time after time.

Additionally, there is something ritual in choosing pencils, paper, and envelope, as well as writing an address, and taking a letter to the post office. Handwritten letters have a special charm and value of the message sent by the sender – Blank paper, with your words, thoughts, and emotions. It’s much more personal than a report. Letters are a unique introduction to the sender’s feelings, character, and intentions. Sometimes it is necessary to read between the lines. Sometimes is occasionally seasoned with tears.

To sum up, a letter written by hand is an ultimate technique of showing up our personality at someone’s door. There went the magic formula, the secret ingredient of letter writing.

We live in world of texting and chatting, and we only need to choose a medium to enter the virtual communication. So, why should you bother to write more handwritten letters today? Well, the reason might be one appealing finding. Namely, scientists say that it can help you feel healthier and happier! Professor Steve Toepfer, from Kent Studies Institute (Ohio, USA), has conducted research in 2011 on the power of writing. His study shows that by making a habit of writing thoughtful letters of gratitude “you’ll feel happier, you’ll feel more satisfied, and if you’re suffering from depressive symptoms, your symptoms will decrease.”  I’ve couldn’t agree more!

Write letters to feel joy out of checking your mailbox full of ads and bills. Write Letters to remember how truly important it is to thoughtfully comprehend something before it is written. Write letters to realize the innocence you hide in yourself so that you could conquer the world. Write letters to make someone’s day, because someone could do the same for you. Write letters because they are timeless and make every word count! Write letters, at least, for reasons best known to yourself. Just write letters!

Of course, many call handwritten letters old-fashioned. I say to them to give it a try. I dare them to choose a perfect paper, think about conversation and feelings, write them down, and send it. But wait, what about a recipient? To whom you are ready to show up your personality, to come as you are? It’s a tricky question, I know. Yet, in this doubt is the answer to the previous question about the necessity of writing more letters.

Quite simply, I believe that people would better understand themselves and the society around them if they would write letters more often. We are well aware that the daily modern world lacks empathy. Although handwritten letters may be a tiny step in changing this reality, still, it’s worth the effort. Don’t you agree with me?

Lots of Love,
Selena 

PS: Since we discussed the gratitude letters I found one great example. In 1996 a 13-year-old girl Sarah wrote to her idol about her dream to become a filmmaker one day. Her idol’s name was Quentin Tarantino, and the letter was sent two years after the release of film “Pulp Fiction”. In a very creative letter, the famous director responds also the following:
“Thank you for your very lovely letter. It’s the best letter I’ve gotten all year long. (…)
Rock on Sarah!! (…) I read your letter to Mira, she loved it too. Write me anytime. I can’t wait for you to get your hands on a camera too.
With all my love
(Signed)
Quentin Tarantino ”

This wonderful story really moves you in a way. Perhaps it inspires you to write to people you admire and be surprised just as little Sarah surely was when she found Tarantino’s letter in her mailbox. 

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